Military, industry and academic representatives from 50 nations have gathered for the Sea Power Conference 2019 in Sydney.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Reynolds CSC said issues of strategic and historic importance in a maritime context are at the forefront of the biennial event, now in its 11th year.

“Sea Power will showcase the Royal Australian Navy’s reputation as a capable and trusted partner both to the region as well as to Australian industry,” Minister Reynolds said.

“Our Navy has on average 20 ships at sea per day, conducting more than 200 foreign port visits across 32 nations every year.

“To protect and defend our national interests, Australia will need a Navy that maintains our strategic position, protects Australia’s national security and prosperity as well as the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.

“That is why our Government is investing more than $90 billion to develop the Navy of the future while creating a strong and sustainable Australian naval shipbuilding industry.”

Hosted by the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mike Noonan AO, RAN, the conference is an opportunity for delegates to discuss wide-ranging issues related to the maritime domain.